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226 The Conjure Woman 

changed my mind. I prefer the other route." 

When we had reached the main road and had proceeded along it for a short distance, we met a cart driven by a young negro, and on the cart were a trunk and valise. We recognized the man as Malcolm Murchison's servant, and drew up a moment to speak to him. 

"Who's going away, Marshall?" I inquired. 

"Young Mistah Malcolm gwine 'way on de boat ter Noo Yo'k dis ebenin', suh, en I'm takin' his things down ter de wharf, suh." 

This was news to me, and I head it with regret. My wife looked sorry, too , and I could see that Mabel was trying hard to hide her concern. 

"He's comin' 'long been', suh, en I 'spec's you'll meet 'im up de road a piece. He's gwine ter walk down ez fur ez Mistah Jim Williams's, en take